is this a daily driver? if so, then 335i would prob be a better choice since the gas savings is significant and the ride a little smoother. not sure why anyone would ridicule you for the M sport package since many people who drive a 335i end up modding it with M3 stuff anyways.

if this is a weekend/track car, then the M3 is a no brainer. no mods necessary out the box, but that tends to change after a while

I'm not really a track guy so the 335i M Sports Package with lower price and gas miledge seems the way to go. Another question though..

Can you get a special order of Carbon Leather Interior trim instead of the standard trim packages available for a 335i with the M Sports Package?I think the Carbon Leather Interior trim with Black Dakota leather would be hot with the space grey exterior and an M Sports Package on a 335i.

I sure wouldn't call the ride a "little smoother" in the 335 ZSP since the 40 and 35 series runflats are very harsh over sharp-edged pavement, concrete roadway joints, etc. The M3 is actually a MUCH better compromise between handling and ride. Have you ever driven them both back-to-back to compare? If you do that, you'll quickly see the difference. A lot of that difference is in the runflats which have extremely stiff sidewalls.

I sure wouldn't call the ride a "little smoother" in the 335 ZSP since the 40 and 35 series runflats are very harsh over sharp-edged pavement, concrete roadway joints, etc. The M3 is actually a MUCH better compromise between handling and ride. Have you ever driven them both back-to-back to compare? If you do that, you'll quickly see the difference. A lot of that difference is in the runflats which have extremely stiff sidewalls.

I'm not really a track guy so the 335i M Sports Package with lower price and gas miledge seems the way to go. Another question though..

Can you get a special order of Carbon Leather Interior trim instead of the standard trim packages available for a 335i with the M Sports Package?I think the Carbon Leather Interior trim with Black Dakota leather would be hot with the space grey exterior and an M Sports Package on a 335i.

What about getting Cloth-alcantara trims? Any feed back on that?

good luck getting any of those in the 335 if you're in the US. i'm not sure what the priority 1 options nowadays, but i doubt any of those would be on the list.

In terms of outright performance, I've found that they (i.e. 18" very high-end tires) perform extremely well. I've driven and instructed on track and autox many times in E90 330/335 with 18" RFTs, and both the Bridgestone RE050A and Michelin PS2 ZP are excellent tires from a performance standpoint. The only downside to them is the rough ride which of course makes for excellent transient response from the tire.

As previously mentioned, M cars are special (exclusivity, performance, subtlety). The M3 will be a car you will want to keep forever. The V8 is also something special, especially since I believe most manufacturers are already focused on modifying smaller engines (750i twin turbos, 2010 S4 is supercharged) instead of keeping larger engines with beautiful exhaust notes and smooth torque ranges. I would always take a naturally-aspirated car over a turbo or supercharged car.

Assuming both cars are new, just pay a little bit more for the car you love. You will be much happier ever time you get in and drive. Mid-Life Crisis should have no regrets, assuming you can afford either car.

The only time I would recommend a 335i over M3 would be affordability and whether it was a used M3 versus new 335i. You want warranty coverage, especially on 3-series as several kinks with sunroofs and a/c continue to be minor problems. You have to be cautious with used high-performance cars, as a car that has been tracked can be rough regardless of low mileage.

BUY THE M3!!!!!!!!!!!!! we just got back from m school and 1 of our classmates regrets not getting the m vs his new 335. not to mention, i want one now. +1 on the naturally aspirated vs turbo reasoning also.

Either car has its own merits. I just bought a new Z4M Roadster (E85M) rather than the newer Z4. The primary reason is that the M is a purpose-built vehicle whereas the new Z4 is more of a competitor to the Mercedes SLK. It's not a snob-appeal matter, it's just that an enthusiast really appreciates the M set-up and it's ability to deliver on the promise.

I think its the same with the two vehicles you're considering - the 2010 is clearly a great car, but the M is the M; if you can appreciate the difference, it's worth it, if you can't, then stay with the 2010.

Awsome.. Thank you! Overwelming response which is highly favorable on the m3. Now if I only have the guts to pull the triggger -in two weeks... Gas milege is awful, a muscle car, and $12K more. Jeez. This is keeping me awake nights! ( I'm just a working guy who's best car was a 240Z in 1979. ) Nothing but kids and mortgages since. NOW.. it's my turn. The $65K +- is a stretch but possible.

i'm not really a track guy ( but could be if I pick up a new hobby..) Virginia International Raceway (VIR) is a only an hour a way! but I only drive 10,000 miles a year. I love to drive but I'm in the city/expressway. Should I go for the m3 sedan with space grey, black novillo leather, carbon leather trim, technology, premium, fold downs, nav, and smartphone,?

I think I want you to talk me into it. Is this a car to keep for 10 years versus the 335i a turn in at year 3?